The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the New York Yankees on Monday afternoon, but with concerns about domestic violence allegations swirling around the hurler, both he and the team issued statements about the situation.
Here is what Chapman had to say:
"I want to thank the New York Yankees for trusting and supporting me, and I wish nothing but the best for the Yankees organization and my former teammates. I am excited about today's trade and look forward to joining the Chicago Cubs and meeting my new teammates. It's a privilege to wear the Cubs uniform and to play for the fans of Chicago.
"As you know, earlier this year I accepted and served a 30-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my actions of October 30, 2015. I regret that I did not exercise better judgment and for that I am truly sorry. Looking back, I feel I have learned from this matter and have grown as a person. My girlfriend and I have worked hard to strengthen our relationship, to raise our daughter together, and would appreciate the opportunity to move forward without revisiting an event we consider part of our past. Out of respect for my family, I will not comment any further on this matter.
"I cannot wait to take the mound at Wrigley Field and look forward to helping my teammates deliver a championship to Chicago."
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts also issued a statement, emphasizing that team leaders had met with Chapman to discuss their expectations for his behavior as a member of the franchise:
"Obviously, we are aware of the circumstances surrounding Aroldis Chapman's suspension earlier this season. We are also aware that he cooperated fully with the league investigation and takes responsibility for his actions.
Chicago Baseball
"Today, prior to completing the trade, Theo, Jed and I spoke with Aroldis. I shared with him the high expectations we set for our players and staff both on and off the field. Aroldis indicated he is comfortable with meeting those expectations."
"Finally, my family, this team and Major League Baseball take the issue of domestic violence very seriously and support efforts to reduce domestic violence through education, awareness and intervention."
In late October, Chapman was accused of choking his girlfriend at the couple's home, and was also accused of firing a gun multiple times inside a garage. Prosecutors elected not to press charges after contradictions emerged in testimony, and after Chapman's girlfriend expressed a desire not to press charges.
Under the league's new domestic violence policy, Commissioner Rob Manfred suspended Chapman for the first 30 games of the 2016 season, reaching a settlement with the pitcher and avoiding a contentious battle with the MLB Players' Association.
